Barie commended for work as local GOP chair

CHAMPLAIN Oliver M. Barie may only be 19 years old, but he is credited by political leaders all the way to the state level for his ambition and impeccable work ethic. Barie has served as chairman of the Town of Champlain Republican Committee since January, and received accolades at the most recent major function he and the party hosted, a spaghetti dinner benefit for the Republican party at the Knight of Columbus hall April 11. During the event, county clerk John H. Zurlo recalled his interest in Barie serving on the Republican committee about two years ago, not knowing at the time Barie was only 17. Zurlo contacted Clinton County Board of Elections commissioner Judith C. Layhee with Baries name, only to find his name couldnt be found among the list of Republicans registered in the county. I said, Oliver, youre not a registered Republican, recalled Zurlo. He said, Im only 17. I cant register. Zurlo laughed as he said he told Barie he would keep him in mind to serve on the committee, and when he reached 18, thats exactly what happened. This boy, theres no end to the potential that he has, Zurlo said, adding Barie would one day be a great leader. Were so proud to have him with us. State Sen. Elizabeth OC. Little, R-Queensbury, said she agreed with Zurlo except for one point. He said Oliver is going to be a great leader. I think Oliver already is a great leader and is certainly showing so much to young people that you can be involved in politics, you can be interested in your government and by working hard you can make a difference, Little said. I know this is just the beginning of his political career. Assemblywoman Janet L. Duprey, R-Peru, agreed as she recalled her initial run for the assembly in 2006, when she first came to really know Barie. It was that summer when she received a call from someone at Seton Catholic High School, where Barie was preparing to enter his senior year that fall. Duprey was asked if she was interested in having Barie serve as an intern to help with her campaign, to which she gladly accepted. What a smart move on my part I won, Duprey said. There was never anything we asked Oliver to do that he wasnt happy doing. He came up with some great ideas during the campaign. Now, how fortunate we are to have him as the future of the Republican party. In one campaign, I learned two things there is such a thing as an honest politician and there is such a thing as a politician who puts the people before the politics, said Barie, who credited Duprey as his hero. Acknowledging the words of praise he received, the SUNY Plattsburgh political science major thanked the committee members for the support and guidance they have given him, and above all, his family. I have to thank my family, Barie said. Without them, I wouldnt be here today.